Dr. David G. Brown, aka, Father
6.4.1943 – 7.27.2022

A humble man, my father would most want to be remembered by his work and achievements through UNMC’s College of Dentistry. There are in fact pages and pages of research and accomplishments that have resulted because of my father… but I want to share the personal relationship we shared when we called him Dad.

From an early age I understood my father to be different from other dads and not just by age. A man of few but meaningful words, sayings such as “If it hurts don’t do it” and “If you come across a fork in the road, pick it up” became common and more applicable with our development. He encouraged our growth in sports, science, and art and when he found time outside of his work he helped us achieve our dreams. My father frequented my brother’s home hockey games and my sister and I’s dance recitals. I remember his humor and good spirits showcased in everything he did. He worked hard and volunteered much of his time to others. My memories with him span many aspects of life, from being my dance partner in the Father – Daughter dance numbers, gluing rhinestones onto my dance outfits with other girls’ mothers, hosting a work social at the Ice Box so everyone could ice skate and shoot hockey pucks at the net (my father standing in as the goalie), as well as numerous volunteer moments with Clinic With A Heart, Food Net, Sharing Clinic, and Mission Of Mercy.

The following was sent out to his colleagues within UNMC; His influence on the college, UNMC and the state of Nebraska was far-reaching. He joined the college in 1981 and served as chairman of the department of oral biology from 1981-1987, director of research from 1982-1984 and assistant dean for research and administration from 1984-1989. He became the associate dean for academic affairs in 1989, an executive associate dean in 2000 and then a professor of oral biology focused on community outreach until he retired in 2021.

Dr. Brown helped thousands of students become oral health professionals and was instrumental in helping thousands of Nebraskans receive oral health care through the college’s outreach events, including Children’s Dental Day and SHARING Clinics and through building college partnerships with organizations such as Clinic with a Heart. He taught generations of students the importance of helping the underserved. Through his passion for helping others and his leadership, Dr. Brown touched the lives of countless community members, students, faculty and staff.

“Dr. Brown’s dedication to the college’s mission and community outreach is unsurpassed. He will forever be remembered as one of the most capable, dependable and conscientious leaders the college has ever had,” said Larry Crouch, PhD, professor at the UNMC College of Dentistry. “What I will remember most is that Dr. Brown cared. He cared deeply about the college, all the people who learn and work here and all the people that the college serves.”

He received many awards for his community outreach work, including the Dental Public Health Award from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, the American Dental Association’s Presidential Award for increasing access to dental care for special populations, Clinic with a Heart’s Community Partner Award and the Nebraska Rural Health Association’s President’s Award.

“Dr. Brown was a man of superior intellect and impeccable character,” said Charles Craft, DDS, dental director for the Nebraska DHHS Office of Oral Health and Dentistry. “A person of few words but much action. A teacher who always looked for new ways to help the underserved but never took the credit. A leader in the world of public health dentistry and a source of inspiration to us all.”

He leaves a legacy of compassion, excellence and leadership in dental education, colleagues say.

“Dr. Brown had a great and lasting influence on the college of dentistry and the oral health of the people of Nebraska and beyond,” said Janet Guthmiller, DDS, PhD, dean of the UNMC College of Dentistry. “His legacy will live on through the students, faculty and staff that he inspired.”

“Dr. Brown’s dedication to the college’s mission and community outreach is unsurpassed. He will forever be remembered as one of the most capable, dependable and conscientious leaders the college has ever had,” said Larry Crouch, PhD, professor at the UNMC College of Dentistry. “What I will remember most is that Dr. Brown cared. He cared deeply about the college, all the people who learn and work here and all the people that the college serves.”

“Dr. Brown was a dedicated volunteer at Clinic with a Heart and came to every dental clinic. He was a key connector for our patients to the UNMC College of Dentistry. More than his time, he brought his heart. Dr. Brown truly cared about the people we served. His quirky humor also gave us many smiles. His positive impact on the community is immense, and he leaves a legacy of giving through the many dental students he worked with.”      – Teresa Harms, executive director, Clinic with a Heart

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